صور الصفحة
PDF
النشر الإلكتروني

fixion of the Lord Jesus; and were not we "sinners of the Gentiles" verily guilty, in the persons of Pilate and the Roman soldiers? and during our unregeneracy did we not endorse their guilt by not grieving over it? "He was despised and rejected of men," (not of the Jews only,) and the unparalleled guilt lays still at the World's door.

As further bearing out our thought that Simon represents believers in general, it is interesting to trace him in Acts xi. and xiii. at Antioch, where himself and others are first called "Christians:"

"Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but the Jews only. And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were Come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them and a great number believed and turned unto the Lord. Then tidings of these things came unto the church which was in Jerusalem; and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch." (xi. 19-22.)

[ocr errors]

"Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon (that was called Niger), and Lucius (of Cyrene), and Manaen (which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul." (xiii. 1.)

Our judgment is that as "Simeon " is only another way of writing "Simon," (for Simon Peter is written "Simeon" in Acts xv. 14,) and as the plural "men of Cyrene" is employed with reference to those whom the Lord used in this work at Antioch, but only one (Lucius) is so designated, that therefore this "Simeon that was called Niger" is "Simon the Cyrenian." But why called "Niger"? why is the old designation dropped? Is he not introduced by the Spirit with everything new about him, compared with what it was with him when he was brought into our view as the "stranger coming out of the country"? He is located, not at Cyrene, but at Antioch; he is of a new people, "Christians"; and the Spirit records his new name "Niger." Christ being Lord in his own house, re-names whom He will, and may, as in this case and that of John and James (whom He called "Boanerges,") give no reason for the act. It is true that Simon might have been re-named by the Church; but the fact of the Holy Spirit here appropriating the name seems to indicate that it was quite of the Lord. Now "Niger" means Black. If Christians had been led so to call Simon it might have been on account (as we may suppose) of a deep swarthiness of complexion, being a native of Africa, in which continent Cyrene was; but doubtless the Lord had a higher and spiritual reason, and if we are right, that Simon prefigures believers in general, as called from outside Judaism to bear the cross and follow Jesus, what a beautiful harmony between this new name given to him who typifies the Church and that which the Church says in the Song of Solomon ?

༈ཐཱ ཝཱ

"I am BLACK, but comely, ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon. Look not upon me, because I am BLACK, because the sun hath looked upon me

Let us now turn our attention to the main lesson associated with the person of Simon the Cyrenian→→ that which is derived from the contemplation of him in the act of carrying the cross after Jesus. The cross represents rejection, contumely, suffering, burdens for Christ's sake, borne after the Lord's manner; in faith following Him up the mount whither He has gone. In Simon's case, he was compelled to bear the cross; the World, in the persons of the soldiers, laid it on him; and the Christian must expect burdens from the World and the dislike of worldly christians of his walk. "If they have persecuted me, they will and that in proportion to the spirituality and zeal also persecute you." But we are encouraged to patiently endure it: "If we suffer with Him, we shall be also glorified together.",

but

To such as take up the cross the Lord will be ever near, and his grace is ever sufficient for us, Doubtless, the Lord feels for us, as He did for Simon, as our afflictions abound, our consolations shall "Let us therefore go to much more abound." him outside the camp bearing his reproach," knowing that "our light affliction which is but for a moment worketh out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." Oh, how thankful we shall be in the glory for every burden laid upon us down here! Though it was grievous at the time, yet how must Simon have rejoiced afterwards that he had the special honour, though against. his will, of fellowship with the Lord in his sufferings.

Thus we see in Simon, the Members, by anticipa tion, called into participation of suffering with the Head; but oh, how slight as compared with His deep, deep affliction! Simon had no part with the Lord in the shame and spitting, the mockery and the buffetting: the pain of the thorns, the scourge, and the cross: at Calvary, where the wrath of God against sin must be endured, Simon vanishes. Re lieving ones were utterly unable to endure with the Lord. In Gethsemane they slept, in the presence of the officers they fled, in the hall of the high priest the Master is denied, and at the cross a few women and one young man stand afar off, and though before He dies two of them draw near, it is only when fellowship is no longer possible, and to hear Him cry, with a loud voice, "It is finished!"

Oh, that we may realize that special acquaintance with the Lord which Simon obtained through bearing the cross after Him! He heard and saw him lament over the daughters of Jerusalem-"Weep not for me, weep for yourselves and your children." Oh, how these words of wondrous pity-of deepest sym pathy for others' woes, crowding out the keenest suffering in Himself-must have fallen on the heart of Simon! how they revealed the Divine Man before him! Did he think much of his hardships after that? Nor shall we, if the same blessed example is steadily realized by faith.

[merged small][merged small][ocr errors]

I

TO DEAR CHRISTIANS (i. e. BELIEVERS IN CHRIST)

WHO ARE ASSOCIATED WITH

THE STATE RELIGION OF ENGLAND.

LETTER NO. I.

We desire in christian love, and in the spirit of meekness, to offer a few thoughts for your solemn consideration before God, r specting your "Book of

Common Prayer," and matters connected therewith. Many of you will b ready to reply-"We are well acquainted with the defects existing in that book, as well as in our church arrangements, and we live in hopes of seeing them reformed." We are thankful that such is your desire. Notwithstanding, we think, if you will patiently look into the whole matter with us, praying to God that the "Holy Ghost" "the Comforter," "the Spirit of Truth," may lead us into all truth-the examination will surely result in profit to your souls. First, as respects Ministry. We have already, in previous numbers of this paper, offered some serious remonstrances concerning your Bishops. The script res plainly show how that their political and lordly standing completely contravenes the commands of our Lord Jesus Christ and of the Holy Ghost by the apostles.

"Jesus called the twelve and said unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise Lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you, &c." (Mark x. 42, 43.)

The spirit of this scripture was reiterated by Our Saviour continually, and shines out in all the sacred epistles, which were given after His ascension. But we will not dwell upon this point now, as we are conscious that most of those who are spiritual among you, blush for the anomalous position of the men who exercise a Gentile Lordship over you. For the present, therefore, we leave the "Bishops of the State," and turn to your every-day ministers-the priests. Priests? Why Priests? Do not think we are questioning the name without seeing a most weighty issue involved in its assumption. If you will refer to 1 Cor. xii. you will find an enumeration of divinely given christian ministries. Speaking of gifts in the various members of the body of Christ, the Church, we are there taught that—

"God hath set some in the church, [simply as members of the body,] first apostles secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, then gifts of healing," &c. (v. 28.)

66

Here we have ministry of various kinds, as it should be exercised, to the extent of gifts now given, in any assembly of true believers. Diversity of gifts, but the same Spirit." Look carefully and prayerfully at the whole chapter, and you will see to what end gifts are given, also how they are to be exercised. But Eph. iv. 11 enumerates most completely, our Lord's gifts in the way of servants or ministers, thus

"When he [Christ] ascended up 'on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. * * * And he gave some Apostles, and some Prophets, and some Evangelists, and some Pastors and Teachers."

In the epistle to Corinthians, ministerial gifts in

[blocks in formation]

His servants!

orders established by the religion of the State. Bishops. Priests, and Deacons ! These are the Bishops, as Lords, are in opposition to scripture. Deacons, according to the word of God, were apofficially for spiritual ministry at all. Priests belong pointed primarily to serve tables, and were not to a past dispensation!

Of course, the titles of Bishops, Priests and Deathose who hold these titles among you are thoroughly cons are found in scripture. But the characteristics of unscriptural: a candid appeal to the New Testament cannot fail to show this. And we must ask you again to reflect, that the ministerial designations, and as far as possible the gifts also, given by our Lordnamely, Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors. and Teachers, have been entirely discarded by your rulers. Nor is this all. They have not only taken up titles which, though found in scripture, are now misapplied-but they have introduced a list of dignities, for which there is no sanction whatever in the word of God. Arch Bishops, Arch Deacons, Deans, Canons, Vicars, Rectors, Curates, and we know not how many

more!

Now, all these inventions are built upon a manmade Priesthood. However great or small the office held by your clergy, (exc pting the deaconate,) the holder thereof must be a priest! This, therefore, is the keystone of the whole edifice of the Church of England (so called.) We wish the proposition to be clearly understood. It is held by your church as essential to effectual ministry, that the man be an ordained priest! Let us, then, seek to know what our God has revealed respecting Priesthood. There are three priestly orders of God, as made known in the scriptures. First, that of Melchisedec, which belongs to Our Great High Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ. Secondly, the Aaronic or Levitical Priesthood, which was given exclusively to one family and tribe-called of God to offer sacrifices, to make atonement for the sins of the people, and to wait upon the service of the tabernacle.

The third order of priesthood we purpose to examine hereafter.

It was, and is ever, impossible to take the priestly office, or receive it at the hands of men, unless expressly called of God. "No man taketh this

honour unto himself, but he that is called of God as was Aaron." (Heb. v. 4.)

The judgment executed upon Korah and his con. federates, in Numbers xvi., clearly shows the Lord's estimate of such presumption. Of course, it is easy to assume the TITLE, or for men to confer it upon one another-especially in these days of God's "long-suffering," during which judgment is suspended. For vengeance is only delayed, not forgotten, as men foolishly suppose. [2 Peter iii. 9, 10.]

We see in measure, living evidence of what priestly assumption leads to-namely, popery in Rome, and its counterfeit in England and elsewhere. It is

all of the spirit of anti-Christ, and foreshadows him who is yet to come. The culminating point will be reached when THE anti-Christ appears.

"Let no man deceive you by any means, for that day [the day of Christ's coming to earth to judge the nations] shall not come except there come a falling away [apostacy] first, and THAT MAN OF SIN BE REVEALED, the son of perdition; who opposeth and exulteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God." (2 Thess. ii. 3, 4.)

This is the anti-Christ who is yet to arise, "whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming." (2 Thess. ii. 8.)

Yes, this is to be the end of it.

To return to our examination of divinely-given priesthoods. When God, in the past dispensation, ordained an earthly priesthood and a ritual service, he left nothing to man's choice. The duties of the priests and

Levites were defined with the greatest exactitude One cannot read through the books of Moses without a feeling of astonishment at the minute directions as to everything pertaining to the service of God, and the functions of the priest as towards the Israel tish people. Even respecting the structure in which God would be worshipped, the apostle reminds us that "Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for see, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern showed to thee in the Mount." (Heb. viii. 5.)

But the priests (so called) among you have neither building, nor ordinances, according to God's appointment! A spiritual search into the word of God cannot fail to prove to you that the ONLY RITUAL priesthood divinely sanctioned is that which was given to the children of Israel. And is it not evident that no priesthood can be acceptable to God but that which has been created by him? For how shall the priest know the mind of God as to how he would be served, unless the Lord himself provide the ritual?

You must, therefore, become Jews, or Jewish proselytes to be under a true earthly priesthood, and your priests must be of the descendants of Levi, for God will accept none other family in that order of priests.

We suppose the best thing that can be said for Church of England priests and their observances, is that they are imitations of that which was ordained under the old covenant. But consider, we beg of

you, how that in the following scripture everything of that character is set aside.

"If perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, [for under it the people received the law], what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. For he [Christ] of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda: of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. And it is yet far more evident: for that a ter the similitude of Melchisedec

there ariseth another priest, who is made not after the law of a (Heb. vii. 11-16.)

carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life"!

in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, has changed The establishment of the Melchisedec priesthood, everything. In him the true priesthood exists in "the power of an endless life." Moreover, the PLACE for the exercise of priesthood is CHANGED also. God's way is, that his priests s all exercise their office in the place that he shall choose. The chosen place now is heaven. God's anointed priest, his own well beloved son, having been rejected by the world, the heavens have received him, "UNTIL the times of resno other place for the exercise of the priest's office. titution of all things." (Acts iii. 21.) There is now Jerusalem was the place of God's choice, but that is trodden under foot of the Gentiles. Yes, the priesthood of Christ, rejected on earth, has changed everybe really trusting in Him,) from an EARTHLY to a thing. It has changed you,-his followers, (if you HEAVENLY people. The Lord has no earthly people now, and therefore no earthly priesthood.

[ocr errors]

Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil. that is to say, his flesh; and having an high priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith," &c. (Heb. x. 19-22.)

With such an invitation from God to his dear children, (i.e. to all who through faith are cleansed by the precious blood of Christ) what can be the use of man-made priests?

But let us ask you to consider further, what was the actual end of the priesthood committed to men, even when ordained of God? Was it not the Chief Priests who led the Jewish people in that fearful cry, "Crucify him! Crucify him?

Yes, the earthly priesthood was opposed to the heavenly-and so it is now. The priests of Israel professed to trust in God, but crucified his Son, and those who are called priests now, though professing to act in the name of Christ, are in reality his rivals!

We would be careful to remind you that the question of Salvation is not that with which we are dealing here. We are considering the Servants and the Service of God. No doubt many of your clergy are not only saved by faith in Jesus Christ, but have much love for the Lord. Yet the fact remains, that in the position they hold as prie-ts, in respect to their title and office, they are the RIVALS of the Lord that bought them! For to take the place of a priest, as a Mediator between God and man, is necessarily a de

nial of the sufficiency of the priesthood of Christ! ¡ This is truly awful.

We will not here dwell upon the enormity of those who profess to minister as priests among you, who themselves know not God nor Jesus Christ whom he has sent. Our object is to present to you the entire contrariety of priestly institutions to the mind of God. The very essence of priesthood is that of having a place of nearness to God, which the rest of his people have not. This is plainly shown in the account of the angel's visit to Zacharias.

"It came to pass that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course, according to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people were praying without [outside] at the time of incense." (Luke i. 8-10.)

COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL BY

ST. JOHN.

BY THE EDITOR OF "PRECIOUS TRUTH."
CHAPTER II.

"There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: the same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him." (ver. 1, 2.)

This seems at first sight a true recognition of our Lord's ministry. Yet what did it really amount to? He gave Jesus the title of Rabbi, but then Nicodemus bore that title himself! He had seen the miracles of Jesus, and had arrived at the conclusion that the worker of them was a teacher come from God! This, although true indeed, was not the point for faith to rest at. How it contrasts with the decla

But

This is the true characteristic of a priest. He acts ration of Nathaniel in the first chapter! That child on behalf of the people before God, while they, the of faith, who seems to have witnessed no miracle, actmultitude, remain outside! Y u see how completelying only upon the testimony of Jesus, unhesitatingly the character and work of our Great High Priest exclaims, "Thou art the son of God, thou art the corresponds with that requirement. But, suppose King of Israel." Nathaniel, who was little in his one of the Scribes, not of the tribe of Levi, to have presented himself to the outside multitude of whom Nicodemus was a Pharisee and Ruler, and he got no own eyes, at once recognised the Son of God. we have been reading, saying, "I also am a priest further than the perception of a teacher come from and will help you in your worship outside, while God. Even his faith as to this fails when put to a Zacharias is inside before God." Would the people severe test. It is beautiful to notice how constantly have received him? Yet such a course wou d be far our Lord dealt with those who came to him, accordmore reasonable than for men now to thrust themhim in faith, owning themselves just what they were, Sinners, who sought ing to what they professed. obtained free forgiveness. While those who come with any kind of self-sufficiency were searched through and through by the living word. May this truth come home with power to every reader; for we have to do with the same Jesus.

Doubtless there

selves in between you and Our Great High Priest who
has entered into the holiest for us.
is a felt need of one who can present our prayers and
offerings of thanksgiving to God in an acceptable
manner;-of one set apart to minister for us before
God, whose sacred office and character shall have a
sanctifying influence upon our lives;-of one who
should be able to help our infirmities, and lead us in
true worship. Man cann t make a priest to answer
these requirements. But God has provided one.
And only one! There is one God, and one Media-
tor between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."
(1 Tim. ii. 5.) Oh, if you will but weigh the matter
fairly before God you will consent to have no other
priest than Jesus. An earthly priesthood now is an
utter delusion; and the effect of going on with it is
necessarily to bring darkness and sorrow to your
souls. Remember-

[ocr errors]

"We have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." (Heb. iv. 15.)

This one Mediator, this Great High Priest, the man Christ Jesus, who is also Son of God, and Lord, can meet all your needs, whereas an earthly priest can meet none of them. And be assured, if you will prefer the latter, you will know experimentally little of the blessing of the former. We do not imply that you will not be saved. If you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ you are saved. The question is, whom will you have for your priest? A man on earth with the assumed title, but without one word of God to sanction it, or the man Christ Jesus, the Great High Priest on the throne of God? You cannot have both. God's third order of Priests we hope to consider in our next.

Little did Nicodemus think when he decided to

visit Jesus by night, that he was coming to THE LIGHT.
Little did he think that in the presence of light divine,
be exposed. But so it was.
the darkness and ignorance of his own soul were to

"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." (ver. 3.)

and wisdom of the Jewish ruler was unable to cope Here was a startling truth which all the learning with.

"Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb and be born ?" (ver. 4.)

Where was the faith which Nicodemus had professed in Christ as a teacher come from God? It was hard for a RULER to become a disciple.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.
E. C., Blackheath, in our next.

Letters for the Editor to be addressed to 335, Strand, W.C.

[blocks in formation]

PRECIOUS TRUTH.

"WHAT SAITH

THE
THE SCRIPTURE ?''—(Rom. iv. 3.)

Arthur Hall, 25, Paternoster-row, London.]

JULY 1,

1866.

No. 16.]

TO THE CHRISTIAN READER.

"It is not for you to know the times and the seasons." BELOVED,

There is much talk in these days of the coming of the Lord. God has himself revived the expectancy in the souls of many true believers. Of this I have no doubt whatever. But the Devil is busy in raising false testimony about it. He sets men calculating days and dates, in spite of the Lord's words

"It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power." (Acts i. 17.)

The mind of our Lord Jesus Christ on this subject is abundantly manifested in his own sayings, and in the writings of the apostles; namely, that His followers should always be waiting and watching for His return. And it must be evident, on reflection, to those who are spiritual, that nothing could be better calculated to keep his people faithful during his bodily absence, than the absolute uncertainty as to when He would come again. They were to be in constant expectancy and watchfulness. Look at the warning words of the Saviour.

"Take ye heed, watch and pray for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye, therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning : lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. What I say unto you, I say unto all, Watch." (Mark xiii. 33-37.)

[Job Caudwell, 335, Strand, London, W.C. [One Halfpenny.

If eighteen hundred years ago Christians were exhorted to wait for Him, shall not we be in expectancy now?

Yes, wait for Him, watch for Him, our glorious Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. Look for Him to-day, and if He tarries and you remain here, look for Him to-morrow. And if He comes not for many years, still watch for Him day by day. Come He will. And He has said—

"Blessed are those servants whom the Lord, when he

cometh, shall find watching." (Luke xii. 37.)

a

As a mere doctrine this would not help me : but as

living truth, held practically, it is of vital importance as to my christian walk and conversation.

"For our conversation is in heaven, from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself." (Phil. iii. 20, 21.)

I

Christians who persist in opposing the Lord's will, by endeavouring to pry into the unrevealed secrets of God, as to times and seasons, get first puffed up with their own conceits, and end by bringing shame upon themselves and the holy name they bear. thank God that, in infinite wisdom and love, he has hidden the time from us. But I also praise Him for reviving the true hope of the church in our days. The wise and foolish virgins (i.e. believers and nominal christians) have all slumbered and slept but the midnight cry has been heard, "Behold, the bridegroom cometh "-and those who are spiritually wise are going out to meet him. Do you ask me, which Now, beloved, there are some who say that though way? I answer, "They are going forth to him outthey cannot know the day or the hour, they can find side the camp, bearing his reproach." This is no easy out the year. I believe the majority of those who thus task. It is no light thing to turn your back upon the seek to be wise above what is written, are not inten-world and declare yourself no longer of it. But that, tional deceivers. But Satan is using them, for all that. They fix their dates, and, of course, the time passes by, whereupon scoffers are encouraged in their unbelief, and weak christians are discouraged in their hope. Thus is fulfilled that prophecy

"There shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep all things continue as from the beginning of the creation." (2 Pet. iii. 3, 4.)

But, dear christian brother or sister, be not you deceived. There is not a word in the scriptures to justify a calculation of the year, any more than the day or the hour. It is for us to accept in all simplicity that word given in the early days

"Ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; and to wait for his Son from heaven," (1 Thessalonians i. 9, 10,)

beloved, is what you must do, if you would rejoice in the belief that "the coming of the Lord draweth nigh." You may be looked upon with contempt by your neighbours and friends, but you may quietly console yourself with the certainty of that portion which the Apostle Paul was waiting for, according to 2 Tim. iv. 8.

Let us then, in meekness and grace, repeat the midnight cry to all believers. But it cannot be a welcome theme for such as obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. His coming means judgment for the unbeliever, though it will be all joy for the faithful. For there will be two phases of the Lord's coming, according to prophecy. The primary incidents are expressly described in the following scripture—

"The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel,and with the trump of God; and

« السابقةمتابعة »